Okra Accessions Research Articles

Caracterização morfológica de acessos comerciais de quiabeiro

ABSTRACT Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) has been less studied compared to other crop species of the family Malvaceae, thus presenting high potential for research, mainly in genetic improvement. Morphological characterization is a pre-breeding step that can be conducted using quantitative and qualitative descriptors. Thus, the objective of this study was to morphologically characterize commercial okra accessions to provide a foundation for breeding programs in this crop species. The experiment was conducted in the experimental area of the Federal Institute of Alagoas, Piranhas, AL, Brazil, using a randomized block design with five treatments and five replications. Okra plants and fruits were characterized through qualitative descriptors, using a hierarchical clustering of accessions based on Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA). The greatest genetic distance was found between the Santa Cruz-47 and Clemson Americano-80 accessions, whereas the lowest distance was found between the Cariri and Apuim accessions. The UPGMA analysis resulted in two accession groups: group I consisting of Clemson Americano-80 and Canindé accessions, and group II consisting of Cariri, Apuim, and Santa Cruz-47 accessions. Viable hybrids can be obtained from crossings between accessions of group I and group II.

Assessing phenotypic diversity between different landraces of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

The objective of the present study was to investigate the morphological variations among collections of okra landraces in order to improve local varieties in Palestine. Eighteen okra accessions from various locations in the West-Bank region were evaluated for morphological variation. Different sixteen morphological traits were used for okra collection evaluation. The results revealed significant differences in seed color, leaf rib color, stem color, branching patterns, and fruit characteristics. Cluster and similarity analysis classified into two main clusters (I and II) with further sub-clusters. Genetic proximity did not strictly align with geographical boundaries, suggesting that factors beyond location influence genetic similarity. Cluster I exhibited greater diversity, with sub-clusters hinting at potential local adaptation. In contrast, Cluster II was smaller and less diverse, implying potentially distinct genetic origins. These findings provide insights for breeding strategies and germplasm conservation.

Phenotypic plasticity of okra for yield and associated traits

Background: The genetic improvement of okra for the agro-ecological conditions requires adequate genetic background for understanding the inheritance of the traits and genetic control.Aim: To evaluate collection of okra accessions for their phenotypic plasticity and their relationships among tested accession.Setting: Field trail laid in a randomised complete block design of three replication.Methods: A total of 24 okra accessions were planted at Loskop Research Station in Limpopo province, South Africa, during the 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons.Results: The analysis of variance showed significant differences among the accessions for yield and related traits measured. The principal components analysis revealed 68.85% total variation. The genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) was higher than phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) for all the measured parameters. The study revealed medium heritability for yield (33%), high (≥ 60%), for hundred-seed weight and number of fruits per plant. A positive significant correlation between grain yield and fruit yield per plant (r = 0.39) was observed.Conclusion: The study recommended accessions Acc No. 1859.2.3.1, Acc No. 1181.2.1.1 and Acc No. 1900.2.3.1 to be used as breeding lines in future okra breeding programme.Contribution: The accessions identified as potential parents for okra improvement programme, based on complementary agronomic traits could be used for direct cultivation by small-scale farmers and parental lines for breeding population.

Identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphic Loci and Candidate Genes for Seed Germination Percentage in Okra under Salt and No-Salt Stresses by Genome-Wide Association Study.

Excessive soil salinity is a major stressor inhibiting crops' growth, development, and yield. Seed germination is a critical stage of crop growth and development, as well as one of the most salt-sensitive stages. Salt stress has a significant inhibitory effect on seed germination. Okra is a nutritious vegetable, but its seed germination percentage (GP) is low, whether under salt stress conditions or suitable conditions. In this study, we used 180 okra accessions and conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on the germination percentage using 20,133,859 single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers under 0 (CK, diluted water), 70 (treatment 1, T1), and 140 mmol/L (treatment 2, T2) NaCl conditions. Using the mixed linear model (MLM) in Efficient Mixed-model Association eXpedated (EMMAX) and Genome-wide Efficient Mixed Model Association (GEMMA) software, 511 SNP loci were significantly associated during germination, of which 167 SNP loci were detected simultaneously by both programs. Among the 167 SNPs, SNP2619493 on chromosome 59 and SNP2692266 on chromosome 44 were detected simultaneously under the CK, T1, and T2 conditions, and were key SNP loci regulating the GP of okra seeds. Linkage disequilibrium block analysis revealed that nsSNP2626294 (C/T) in Ae59G004900 was near SNP2619493, and the amino acid changes caused by nsSNP2626294 led to an increase in the phenotypic values in some okra accessions. There was an nsSNP2688406 (A/G) in Ae44G005470 near SNP2692266, and the amino acid change caused by nsSNP2688406 led to a decrease in phenotypic values in some okra accessions. These results indicate that Ae59G004900 and Ae44G005470 regulate the GP of okra seeds under salt and no-salt stresses. The gene expression analysis further demonstrated these results. The SNP markers and genes that were identified in this study will provide reference for further research on the GP of okra, as well as new genetic markers and candidate genes for cultivating new okra varieties with high GPs under salt and no-salt stress conditions.

Genomic and cytogenetic analyses reveal satellite repeat signature in allotetraploid okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

BackgroundSatellite repeats are one of the most rapidly evolving components in eukaryotic genomes and play vital roles in genome regulation, genome evolution, and speciation. As a consequence, the composition, abundance and chromosome distribution of satellite repeats often exhibit variability across various species, genome, and even individual chromosomes. However, we know little about the satellite repeat evolution in allopolyploid genomes.ResultsIn this study, we investigated the satellite repeat signature in five okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) accessions using genomic and cytogenetic methods. In each of the five accessions, we identified eight satellite repeats, which exhibited a significant level of intraspecific conservation. Through fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments, we observed that the satellite repeats generated multiple signals and exhibited variations in copy number across chromosomes. Intriguingly, we found that five satellite repeats were interspersed with centromeric retrotransposons, signifying their involvement in centromeric satellite repeat identity. We confirmed subgenome-biased amplification patterns of these satellite repeats through existing genome assemblies or dual-color FISH, indicating their distinct dynamic evolution in the allotetraploid okra subgenome. Moreover, we observed the presence of multiple chromosomes harboring the 35 S rDNA loci, alongside another chromosomal pair carrying the 5 S rDNA loci in okra using FISH assay. Remarkably, the intensity of 35 S rDNA hybridization signals varied among chromosomes, with the signals predominantly localized within regions of relatively weak DAPI staining, associated with GC-rich heterochromatin regions. Finally, we observed a similar localization pattern between 35 S rDNA and three satellite repeats with high GC content and confirmed their origin in the intergenic spacer region of the 35 S rDNA.ConclusionsOur findings uncover a unique satellite repeat signature in the allotetraploid okra, contributing to our understanding of the composition, abundance, and chromosomal distribution of satellite repeats in allopolyploid genomes, further enriching our understanding of their evolutionary dynamics in complex allopolyploid genomes.

Principal Component Analysis Approach for Yield Attributing Traits in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Genotypes

The research work was investigated among 55 okra accessions in RCBD with three replications and was evaluated for seventeen phenotypic characteristics of okra principal component analysis at the Agriculture Research Farm, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara (Punjab). According to principal component analysis (PCA), six of the seventeen (PC1 to PC6) PCs had eigenvalues above 1.0 and a cumulative variance of around 75.52. PC 1 alone accounted for the highest variance of 25.38 by PC1, followed by PC 2 with 15.98%. The outcomes of this investigation might be used as a foundation for defining and implementing subsequent okra breeding initiatives. Days to the 1st flowering, days to the 50% flowering and days to the first fruit harvest appear above the average variance contribution of each PC in the screen plot. Biplot analysis of PC1 and PC2 in contribution dim.1 revealed 25% and dim.2 revealed 16%.

Comparative analysis of bioactive compounds in various organs of Iranian okra accessions

Interest in the bioactive compounds in okra has piqued because of its nutraceuticals, therapeutic properties, and health benefits. Okra has been the subject of several studies, most of which have focused mainly on the properties and concentrations of polyphenols and polysaccharides or their distribution in one organ. Hence, the present study is the first attempt to measure β-sitosterol (BSS) in different organs (leaf, seed, and pod) of 20 accessions of okra commonly cultivated in Iran. Total phenol (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), radical scavenging capacity (AOA), total polysaccharide (TOP), protein content (PT), Total soluble sugar (TSS), proline content (PR), seed oil content, and profile of fatty acids were also assessed. The results indicated that the highest TPC, TFC, and AOA levels were recorded in the A13 (Khorasan Razavi) pods, while TOP, YP, and TSS were highest in A19 (Isfahan) pods. Moreover, PT and BSS levels were highest in A4 seeds from Sistan and Baluchestan. The oil content of okra seed ranged from 22.57% (A3, West Azerbaijan) to 42.30% (A7, Sistan and Baluchestan) among studied accessions. Linoleic acids and palmitic acid were found to be the most abundant fatty acids (42.50% to 52.15% and 27.63% to 31.8%) in all accessions. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis confirmed that A19, A13, A4, A7, and A12 are suitable for breeding programs because of their nutritional value, including high polyphenol, oil, linoleic acid, and phytosterol contents. These findings suggest enhancing the exploitation of okra organs such as seeds for oil, PT, and BSS and pods and leaves for TPC, TFC, and TOP and provide valuable information on bioactive compounds in Iranian accessions of okra to use in breeding programs and the pharmaceutical industry.

Genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, association between fruit yield and yield components of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) accessions grown in two different years

Abstract Genetic improvement of okra for yield is significant because of the nutritional, economic and health benefits inherent in it and to overcome the low genetic potential of the existing varieties and environmental factors which are the major constraints to okra yield. Therefore, this study was carried out to understand the genetic nature of yield, its association with yield components on which selection can be made and to determine the effect of different years on genetic gain. The experiment involved the evaluation of twenty okra accessions in the rainy seasons of year 2019 and 2020 in a randomised complete block design. Data were collected on fourteen characters and analysed. Genotype × Year was highly significant for all the analysed characters. High heritability and high genetic advance as percent of mean were recorded for most of the characters in both years indicating that these traits were less influenced by the environment and presence of additive gene action. Genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance were observed to be higher for some traits in 2019 but lower for those traits in 2020. Pod yield had positive correlation with only plant height at 50% flowering, pod length, number of seeds per pods and peduncle length in both years 2019 and 2020 while the remaining were negatively correlated with pod yield in both years except petiole length and number of pods per plant. Therefore, selection based on these traits could be highly rewarding and may not be considered based on different years.

Phenotypic variations among okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) genetic resources in Sudan

A total of 366 accessions of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) obtained from the Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources Conservation and Research Centre (APGRC) in Sudan were characterized for a number of morphological characters using a descriptor list derived from the list published by the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources in 1984. Those accessions, which were collected from different regions of Sudan, were grown in the APGRC research farm in Wad Medani town in central Sudan during ten different seasons within the period between 2000 and 2019. Phenotypic variations were observed among and within the different accessions for plant, stem, leaf, inflorescence and fruit characters. Up to 59% of accessions were found to be heterogeneous for different traits. The descriptor states observed ranged from very rare in 5%or less of the accessions, to abundant in more than 90% of the accessions. Substantial phenotypic variation was observed for okra fresh fruits, the main organs used for food, in terms of shape, colour, pubescence and number of ridges. Accessions carrying fruits preferred in local or foreign markets were identified making them good candidates for further breeding to produce new cultivars for both markets. The cluster analysis resulted in 13 subclusters at a similarity level of 60%. When comparing the subclusters with collection sites, no direct relation was detected indicating that okra germplasm has been spreading all over the country resulting in diversified materials across different regions.

Drought Tolerance Assessment of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus [L.] Moench) Accessions Based on Leaf Gas Exchange and Chlorophyll Fluorescence

Physiological and complementary phenotypic traits are essential in the selection of drought-adapted crop genotypes. Understanding the physiological response of diverse okra genotypes under drought stress conditions is critical to the selection of drought-tolerant accessions for production or breeding. The objective of this study was to assess the levels of drought tolerance in preliminarily selected okra accessions based on leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence to determine best-performing genotypes for drought-tolerance breeding. Twenty-six genetically diverse okra accessions were screened under non-stressed (NS) and drought-stressed (DS) conditions under a controlled glasshouse environment using a 13 × 2 alpha lattice design in three replicates, in two growing seasons. Data were subjected to statistical analyses using various procedures. A significant genotype × water condition interaction effect was recorded for transpiration rate (T), net CO2 assimilation (A), intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi), instantaneous water use efficiency (WUEins), minimum fluorescence (Fo'), maximum fluorescence (Fm'), maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry (Fv'/Fm'), the effective quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (ɸPSII), photochemical quenching (qP), nonphotochemical quenching (qN) and relative measure of electron transport to oxygen molecules (ETR/A). The results suggested variable drought tolerance of the studied okra accessions for selection. Seven principal components (PCs) contributing to 82% of the total variation for assessed physiological traits were identified under DS conditions. Leaf gas exchange parameters, T, A and WUEi, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters such as the ɸPSII, Fv'/Fm', qP, qN, ETR and ETR/A had high loading scores and correlated with WUEi, the ɸPSII, qP and ETR under DS conditions. The study found that optimal gas exchange and photoprotection enhance drought adaptation in the assessed okra genotypes and tested water regimes. Using the physiological variables, the study identified drought-tolerant accessions, namely LS05, LS06, LS07 and LS08 based on high A, T, Fm', Fv'/Fm' and ETR, and LS10, LS11, LS18 and LS23 based on high AES, Ci, Ci/Ca, WUEi, WUEins, ɸPSII and AES. The selected genotypes are high-yielding (≥5 g/plant) under drought stress conditions and will complement phenotypic data and guide breeding for water-limited agro-ecologies.

Genome-wide assessment of genetic diversity and association mapping for salt tolerance traits in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) using genotyping-by-sequencing

Okra is a vegetable that is widely grown worldwide. However, there are few reports on genetic diversity analysis and genome-wide association studies (GWASs) based on large-scale molecular markers in okra. In this study, 353,001 SNP markers were developed based on a genotyping by sequencing (GBS) strategy to analyze the population structure, genetic diversity and GWAS of 180 okra germplasms from all over the world. Both phylogenetic tree and population structure analyses classified all accessions into three categories, and the classification of most accessions in the two methods were the same. Some okra accessions from warm and cool areas were classified into one category, and some from hot areas were classified into one category. The Shannon‒Wiener index (I), Nei's genetic diversity index (Hei), minor allele frequency (MAF) and polymorphic information content (PIC) of the 180 okra accessions were 0.5071, 0.3366, 0.2580 and 0.2691, respectively. The B subgroup had the highest level of genetic diversity. A total of 180 okra seedlings were treated with 120 mM (T1) and 200 mM (T2) NaCl solutions, and salt tolerance-related traits were analyzed by GWAS. Seventy-seven SNP loci were identified to be associated with four salt tolerance traits. c3341.graph_c0 was aligned in multiple SNP loci, which may be an important unigene regulating the salt tolerance of okra seedlings. To our knowledge, this was the first study to use large-scale SNP markers to carry out population genetic analysis and GWAS in okra.

Genetic Diversity, Heritability, Genetic Advance of Growth and Yield Traits of Some Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L. Moench) Accessions

Genetic improvement of okra for yield is significant to overcome the low genetic potential of the existing varieties and environmental factors which are the major constraints to okra yield. This study was carried out to understand the genetic nature of yield and its components on which selection can be made. The seed of each accession was sown in a plot laid out in randomised complete block design with three replications. Data were collected on fifteen agronomic characters and analysed. The magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were highest for number of pods and lowest for number of days to germination respectively. The PCV was moderately higher than GCV in most of the traits studied, which indicated that environment played a little role in the expression of these traits. Low heritability was recorded for number of leaves and number of branches which indicated more influence of environmental effect, which may be due to the presence of non-additive gene action in the expression of the traits. High heritability and high genetic advance as percent of mean were recorded for plant height at flowering, days to 50% flowering, plant height at maturity, internode length, number of pods and days to maturity, indicating that these traits were less influenced by environment and presence of additive gene action. NGB00378A, NGB00299, NGB00304 and NGB00302 had higher fruit yields; flowered earlier, had longer harvesting period. Therefore, selection can be made on these for further improvement of this crop.

Morpho-Genetic Characterization of Abelmoschus Moench. Accessions

This study was carried out to assess the morphological and genetic variability of seven accessions of Abelmoschus L. species using morphometric analysis and ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large chain (RBCL) molecular markers. Using a completely randomized block design, seeds of the okra accessions were planted with three replicates each. During the developmental stage, the morphological features of the accessions were observed and recorded according to the standard descriptor for the crop. Morphologically, all the accessions exhibited a degree of similarities, albeit, at maturity, the leaf, plant height, leaf colour, and leaf shape became distinct. A cluster of the phenotypic characterization was observed at a 3.74 level of coefficient of similarity with two distinct clusters, which were predicted to be A. esculentus and A. caillei. The percentage variance of the two principal components was 55.12% and 22.69% with corresponding Eigenvalues of 4.11 and 1.69, respectively. Results of the RBCL analysis revealed genetic variability at a 0.80 level of coefficient of similarity. Two distinguishable clusters were observed. Both morphometric and genotyping results suggest that variations exist among and within the seven accessions. In conclusion, there is a need to frequently evaluate plant genetic resources held in gene banks as they may not reflect the whole range of diversity inherent in the species.

Molecular characterization of monopartite bhendi (Abelmoschus moschatus) yellow vein mosaic virus and screening of wild okra

Bhendi yellow vein mosaic disease (BYVMD) is the most devastating viral disease of okra (Abelmoschus moschatus ssp. moschatus) which affects yield and quality of the produce in India. The causative agent of BYVMD is begomovirus i.e. bhendi yellow vein mosaic virus (BYVMV) having DNA-A molecule along with betasatellite. Present study was carried out during 2019–21 at research farm of ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi to find out the diversity of begomovirus and its satellite nucleotide sequences derived from wild okra infected samples exhibiting conspicuous symptom of BYVMD using PCR-based detection technique on two wild okra symptomatic samples, viz. EC361170 and EC361148. Full length amplification of BYVMV satellite molecule and partial amplification of DNA-A was carried out using PCR and cloning of both randomly selected samples showed the presence of monopartite BYVMV. In both samples, presence of DNA-A molecule, betasatellite and alphasatellite were noticed. Two year (kharif 2019 and 2021) field screening of 10 accessions of wild okra (Abelmoschus moschatus ssp. moschatus) was carried out at ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi. Out of 10 accessions, viz. EC360586, EC360794, EC360830, EC360900, EC359730, EC359836, EC359870, EC360351, EC361111 and EC361171 screened, 4 accessions, viz. EC360794, EC360586, EC360830 and EC361171 showed resistant (R) reaction during both the seasons against BYVMD. This is the first study which showed the presence of alpha-satellite molecule of BYVMV from New Delhi region in wild okra along with its resistance source.

Numerical analysis of variation among accessions of West African okra Abelmoschuscaillei (a. chev) stevel)

Nineteen quantitative characters were observed on 14 accessions of West African Okra. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Complete Linkage Cluster Analysis (CLCA) were employed to analyses the variation pattern in these accessions. The first three principal components accounted for 68.47% of the total variation. Using character variation, complete linkage cluster analysis summarized the position of accessions into a dendrogram at interval of 5% level of similarity, while the accessions were sorted into five distinct groups.

Standardization of artificial screening technique for okra enation leaf curl disease resistance in wild okra (Abelmoschus moschatus ssp. Moschatus) germplasm

Okra enation leaf curl disease (OELCuD) is a recently emerged whitefly insect vector transmissible viral disease of okra which adversely affects the quality and quantity of okra fruits. Okra enation leaf curl virus (OELCuV) is a main disease causative agent. Two year (kharif 2018 and 2019) field experiments were conducted at research farm of ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa, New Delhi for field screening of 10 wild okra (Abelmoschus moschatus ssp. moschatus) accessions, viz. EC360586, EC360794, EC360830, EC360900, EC359730, EC359836, EC359870, EC360351, EC361111 and EC361171. Out of 10 accessions, 4 accessions, viz. EC360794, EC360586, EC360830 and EC361171 showed resistance (R) reaction in both the seasons. Whitefly population was also monitored in both the rainy (kharif) season, since, OELCuD is transmitted by whitefly insect vector. Majority (>77%) of okra genotypes were moderately preferred by the whiteflies. To further validate the resistance reaction in these 4 field resistant accessions, artificial screening experiment was conducted using viruliferous whitefly vector and VRO 6 as susceptible check. Prominent okra enation leaf curl symptom appeared after a minimum incubation period of 15 days under controlled conditions. Betasatellite (DNA-β) molecule of OELCuV was amplified (1.3 kb) using PCR for virus detection and these 4 accessions were found free from virus. These 4 promising accessions would serve as resistance source in breeding programmes to develop varieties resistant to OELCuV.

Characterization of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Accessions with Variable Drought Tolerance through Simple Sequence Repeat Markers and Phenotypic Traits

Genetic diversity analysis of crop genetic resources is a prerequisite for parental selection with suitable and complementary profiles for breeding. The objectives of this study were to determine genetic diversity present among okra accessions using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and complementary phenotypic markers and to select genetically divergent and superior parental accessions for pre-breeding. Twenty-six preliminarily selected okra accessions were assessed using nine highly polymorphic SSR markers and phenotyped under drought-stressed (DS) and non-stressed (NS) environmental conditions using a 13 × 2 alpha lattice design with two replications. Data were collected on the following eleven phenotypic traits: plant height (PH), days to 50% maturity (DTM), fresh pod length (FPL), dry pod weight (DPW), dry pod length (DPL), number of pods per plant (NPPP), pod yield per plant (PYPP), total above-ground biomass (AGB), harvest index (HI), root weight (RW), and root to shoot ratio (RSR). The SSR markers revealed an expected mean heterozygosity value of 0.54, indicating moderate genetic diversity among the tested okra accessions. Cluster analysis based on phenotypic and SSR markers differentiated the accessions into three distinct genetic groups. Wide phenotypic variation was observed for PH, FPL, NPPP, and PYPP under NS and DS conditions. PYPP was positively and significantly correlated with FPL (r = 0.81), ABG (r = 0.69), and HI (r = 0.67) under DS conditions, and FPL (r = 0.83) and AGB (r = 0.60) under NS conditions. Genetically complementary accessions such as LS04, LS05, LS06, LS07, LS08, LS10, LS11, LS15, LS18, LS23, LS24, and LS26 were identified for their high yield potential and related yield-improving traits under DS conditions. The identified accessions are recommended as parents for hybridization and selection programs to improve the yield potential of okra under drought-stressed environments.

The Physio-Morphic Characters of Different Okra Germplasm and their Relationship with the Population Dynamics of Okra Leafhopper, Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida)

The reactions of twenty five (25) accessions of okra were evaluated under field conditions against Leafhopper, Amrasca biguttula biguttula. The experiment was conducted at NBPGR, regional station Hyderabad. Among twenty five germplasm (25) screened against the okra leafhopper, IC344596 recorded significantly lowest leafhopper population which was followed by RJR-124, PSRJ12952, NIC 9402 and IC433667. PSRJ 13040 and RJR-193 recorded high population of leafhopper. RJR-124, PSRJ12952 and IC344596 recorded significantly highest number of trichomes of 57.00, 47.67 and 42.33 trichomes m-2, respectively. RJR-193 and PSRJ 13040 recorded significantly less number of trichomes (10.33 m-2). Correlation between okra leafhopper and the various yield and growth parameters of okra accessions revealed highly significant and negative correlation for yield, number of pods and significant positive correlation with plant height while non-significant correlation recorded with pod length.

Genetic variability and correlation analysis in indigenous germplasm of okra (Ablemoschus esculentus L. Moench)

An experiment was undertaken to evaluate the genetic variability, coefficient of variation, heritability, genetic advance and correlation coefficient among indigenous okra accessions based on morphological parameters. Ten okra accessions collected from different parts of Garo Hills regions of Meghalaya were planted during 2019 at NEHU Tura campus, Meghalaya in random block design with three replications. The Analysis of variance exhibited significant differences among the accession for different characters evaluated. The phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) was predominantly superior to their corresponding genotypic coefficient of variance resulting the role of environmental aspects. A high heritability in relation with high genetic advance as the percentage of mean value was observed for plant height. The Correlation studies between various quantitative characters exhibited significant association between parameters. Plant height, number of fruits per plant showed highly positive significant association with fruit yield per plant both at phenotypic and genotypic level. On the basis of mean performance for fruit yield and its component characters from the present investigation 5 superior okra germplasm lines namely T-4, T-6, T-7, T-8 and T-10 were selected as superior and most promising genotypes for the crop improvement programmed in okra.

Genetic variability and correlation analysis in indigenous germplasm of okra (Ablemoschus esculentus L. Moench)

An experiment was undertaken to evaluate the genetic variability, coefficient of variation, heritability, genetic advance and correlation coefficient among indigenous okra accessions based on morphological parameters. Ten okra accessions collected from different parts of Garo Hills regions of Meghalaya were planted during 2019 at NEHU Tura campus, Meghalaya in random block design with three replications. The Analysis of variance exhibited significant differences among the accession for different characters evaluated. The phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) was predominantly superior to their corresponding genotypic coefficient of variance resulting the role of environmental aspects. A high heritability in relation with high genetic advance as the percentage of mean value was observed for plant height. The Correlation studies between various quantitative characters exhibited significant association between parameters. Plant height, number of fruits per plant showed highly positive significant association with fruit yield per plant both at phenotypic and genotypic level. On the basis of mean performance for fruit yield and its component characters from the present investigation 5 superior okra germplasm lines namely T-4, T-6, T-7, T-8 and T-10 were selected as superior and most promising genotypes for the crop improvement programmed in okra.